 His legacy |
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Poem for your 25th Birthday 6/23/2007
Brother Like No Other
Brother though true u were and are my brother
Strong & Black a King of Kings u will remain.
the name Josh is strong and loving because of u
even though it sucked when u passed it was like a wind that will last forever blowing through this hole in my chest every time it blows it hurts Though never forgotten I try hard not to think of u because the pain it puts me through
I'm reminded of u daily by ur daughter Tahjarae seeing her grow and play she's just like u.
Brother my friend like no other a Man that could smother u in one big hug the way u smiled when u felt loved will forever remain in my thoughts and heart.
Though laid 2 rest so young and full of energy the time we spent really meant 2 me. I hope when u hear this u think of me please watch over me because ur guidance is always needed even though are mentalty isn't quite the same our hearts are true and our goals were similar
Get ya cake and wake up 2 this familiar place we call home where real niggas roam I hold it down and keep the crown even in times when I'm down.
In the memory of my soldier Josh AKA Strap G Nobody can know how painful it was 2 lose a brother like u. The only 1 who stayed true. I'll never forget what u showed me God knows it hurts G Please forgive me for these tears I've cried and caused, the pain, the wait, the loss of one who had no cost, u rose 2 the challenge like a boss and will forever remain a loss 2 these streets.
A life of hustle when no one else could muscle how u laid it down niggas were shook when u came round Forever a Man that stood tall who held his head when others failed u succeeded. I will prevail and hold it down for u I promise. I lie here in the wake late at night contemplating my next move. For ur daughter I'll do my best even though it's me she tests She gets smarter day by day and is lookin more & more like u
Writing these words will bring tears 2 some of the realest of people God knows there's so few of em and 4 u 2 be one of them I hold u in the highest respect though these niggas can't predict what we'll do next Forever and always remain a piece of me stay in my heart give me ur spirit and courage 2 move on I love u and miss u dearly my brother who had no father 4 what we didn't need mom does a better job yes indeed
a man is not measured in what he does but how he did it and we as strong black men must realize that we are going about our lives in the wrong way but today i made a vow 2 change the way we are percieved and from this date forth i will make a change for the better becuz life is not about what u get dealt it's how u play the cards and josh was dealt a good hand but never got his chance 2 play and so was i and i will show these niggas how 2 play the game forever in my heart u will remain my only brother josh we could have did so much 2gether but u were cut short and i'm sorry it had 2 b this way if i could have traded u places that grim night i wouldn't have thought twice but i love u and will see u someday love matt
by Master Delaney
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Letter to my babies
Dear son,
as u well know tomorrow 9/10 is my birthday. It will be my third without u here to help me celebrate. I am so thankful for all the blessings God has given me. U, Matt, Brie and Tahjarae. I am so sorry for making the bad choices I did. The main one being getting with your father. You often asked if someone else was your dad and the only answer I could give you was no. Unfortunately I apologize for him as I always have. Forgive him for not being there for u, Matt or Brie. His childish hatred of me causes him to hurt you all over, thinking that is the way to hurt me more. Forgive him all the false promises, the excuses for not being there when u needed him. The only thing I can tell u is he must have learned it from his mother, because his father your grandfather loved u to death. His current wife evidently supports him in all of his delusions and I only wish them both the best as they will have to answer to our heavenly father up above. I hope she will print this too. I know u watch and wait with much anticipation for the day we will all meet again. I taught u there is no stronger bond than family and that is still true today. Do not worry that he was not there to support u in any way (financial or mentally). I know how hurtful it was to have him only 60 miles away and never even call to see how u were doing, no 'Happy Birthdays' no 'Merry Christmas' unless u phoned him. Just know that u were not his first children he tossed aside like forgotten trash. But baby boi know that on my birthday I think of u and my family loves and speaks of u often. Forget the uncles and aunts who never called or had time for any of u. You were my children and all of you have hearts of gold. Don't worry Josh all will be well, our heavenly father tells me so! Your daughter is so like u it is uncanny. Let the Delaney's have their false sense of family, they will never know the joys we had and continue to have. There are not many who make the name one to be proud of, but you did your part well. Rest easy baby I got your back!
luv u more
Mom
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Unsolved Slayings in Colorado Springs
Silence leaves 7 cases open
Police: Many slayings solved in days
By ANTHONY LANE
THE GAZETTE
June 3, 2007 - 6:56AM
The day after Diana Young was fatally stabbed in a Colorado Springs motel April 18, police arrested two women, describing one as Young’s rival in a romantic triangle.
Cab driver Terry Wilson was killed the same day as Young, hit by a stray bullet as he drove past a shootout downtown.
More than a month afterward, police concede they are still at square one.
“We have witnesses — they just didn’t see that much,” said Lt. Sal Fiorillo, head of the Colorado Springs police homicide unit. “The people who know just aren’t coming forward.”
Since Jan. 1, 2005, there have been 47 homicides in Colorado Springs. Wilson’s death is one of seven with no conviction, suspect in custody or ruling that the killing was in self-defense or was a murder-suicide.
“Usually, the ones we solve are solved within a day or two,” Fiorillo said.
When that doesn’t happen, investigators are left hoping for an anonymous tip, a witness’s account or evidence leading to a suspect.
One reason homicides are usually solved quickly is that most homicide victims knew their killers, Fiorillo said.
The day Young was killed, police talked to a friend who said the 45-year-old was mad at Crystal Mawson because she believed she “stole her man,” according to an arrest affidavit.
Acquaintances of both women filled in the blanks of a love triangle, according to court documents, and police arrested Mawson and her friend Stephanie Deverick a day later on suspicion of first-degree murder.
Pat Helmbolt, speaking from her home in southwestern Colorado, said she plans to be in court June 22 when the women accused of killing her daughter are scheduled for preliminary hearings.
“They can’t get away with taking a family member as brutally as they did,” Helmbolt said. “We need to see the wheels of justice chewing away at them.”
For some victims’ relatives, that day never comes.
William Dieckmann had been staying at his father’s home for about a month when he was shot to death early the morning of Nov. 29, Robert Dieckmann said.
A bus driver found the 32-year-old’s snow-covered body near a Colorado Springs bus stop about 6:20 a.m.
Months later, police can’t tell Robert Dieckmann why his son was killed and don’t have enough evidence to arrest anyone.
Dieckmann said he hopes police will catch whoever did it.
“It would give me relief to know they are off the street . . . and that they are being punished for their crime,” Dieckmann said.
Fiorillo said the investigation into Dieckmann’s death was complicated partly by the timing. Police believe he was shot during the night, but his body wasn’t found until morning. Residents living in the area of Mallard Drive and Teal Court later said they heard gunshots, but no one called police, Fiorillo said.
Now, Fiorillo said, investigators need someone with information about the shooting to come forward.
“We have some leads, but they are just not panning out right now,” Fiorillo said.
Not every unsolved killing remains that way because no one witnessed it or knows what happened.
Police believe a crowd was present when Kevin Andrews was killed Nov. 26, 2005, outside a nightclub in southeastern Colorado Springs in what they say might have been a gang-related shooting.
Though plenty of people saw what happened, said detective Pete Quick, few have talked with investigators.
Television dramas mislead many people about how homicide investigations work by celebrating the physical evidence that can be used to identify murder suspects, Quick said.
Even though crime-scene evidence can be crucial, he said, the key in many cases is talking to people and getting witnesses to reveal what happened, Quick said.
“That’s how most homicides are solved,” Quick said.
That’s also why it’s so much harder when gangs are involved, according to Fiorillo.
“With these gang shootings, witnesses who have good information just don’t cooperate with police,” he said.
CONTACT THE WRITER: 476-4813 or anthony.lane@gazette.com
COLD CASES
JOSH DELANEY, 22
Shot four times inside a 1997 Jeep Cherokee Laredo on June 15, 2005. Carlos Ford-Vigil was arrested in connection with the killing, but prosecutors dropped a murder charge against him after Rickey Terrell Lacour, considered a crucial witness, fled the state.
Lacour was arrested in January on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder in a separate 2005 shooting, and prosecutors said they might refile charges against Ford-Vigil if Lacour will testify.
THOMAS KINSLOW, 20
Shot to death about 1:45 a.m. Nov. 22, 2005, on Constitution Avenue east of Academy Boulevard, just after he left work at a nearby Hollywood Video. Gabriel Uriah Gonzales was arrested weeks later after a tipster called Crime Stoppers and said Gonzales had bragged of doing the shooting.
Tests later showed DNA taken from bullet casings at the crime scene and from blood found on Kinslow’s sweat shirt did not match Gonzales or the victim, so charges against Gonzales were dismissed.
KEVIN ANDREWS, 26
Shot to death Nov. 26, 2005, after a fight at a private club at Chelton Road and Astrozon Boulevard apparently spilled into the parking lot.
“We have a lot of info in that case,” said Colorado Springs police detective Pete Quick. “We don’t have enough information to arrest a person.”
RENEE WHITCHER, 35
Died Nov. 4, 2006, a day after she reported being sexually assaulted.
She went to Memorial Hospital Nov. 3 in connection with the reported sex assault. She died the next day after she was hit in the abdomen. Police said her death was not connected with the reported sex assault and that she suffered the fatal blow within hours of her death.
Police Lt. Sal Fiorillo said investigators have an idea about who was involved in the killing but do not have enough evidence to make an arrest.
“We’re still looking for that one piece of evidence that will put that one in the end zone,” Fiorillo said.
WILLIAM DIECKMANN, 32
Shot once in the chest Nov. 29, 2006, near a bus bench at Mallard Drive and Teal Court.
A bus driver found his snow-covered body about 6:20 a.m.
Investigators are following leads in the case, but “they are just not panning out right now,” Fiorillo said.
ELBERT NAKAI, 33
Found stabbed to death Feb. 21 inside his room at a North Nevada Avenue motel.
Investigators don’t know why he was killed and have few leads in the case.
TERRY L. WILSON, 53
Killed April 18 by a stray bullet when he was driving his cab on Wahsatch Avenue near Pikes Peak Avenue.
Police said he was randomly shot as he drove into a gunfight between two groups.
Although police spoke to witnesses who were downtown that night, Fiorillo said, none of them saw enough to identify possible suspects.
“The people who know aren’t coming forward,” he said.
ONLINE > In depth
- Do you have information regarding a crime? Contact the communitybased program Crime Stoppers at 634-7867 or visit their Web site at www.crimestop. net
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Possible witness to local killing held in Arizona 12/16/06
Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Dec 16, 2006 by ANTHONY LANE THE GAZETTE
A Colorado Springs man who fled rather than testify in a suspected gang killing was arrested earlier this week at a border checkpoint in Arizona.
Rickey Terrell Lacour, 22, had been sought since he fled in July. Lacour had been scheduled to testify in the murder trial of a suspected gang member.
Without Lacour's testimony, prosecutors had to drop their case against Carlos Ford-Vigil, who had been arrested in the June 15, 2005, shooting death of Joshua Delaney. Delaney was shot four times at close range as he sat in a car in southeast Colorado Springs.
A judge decided in December there was sufficient evidence for Ford-Vigil to stand trial after he heard Lacour testify at a preliminary hearing. Lacour said he heard Ford-Vigil say after the shooting, "I shot that fool, Strap." Strap was Delaney's street name.
Lacour's mother, who lived in Arizona, told investigators after the trial was dismissed that her son was "in hiding" after he received death threats, according to court documents.
Lacour was suspected in a different shooting in 2005, but prosecutors agreed to drop an attempted murder charge in exchange for his testimony against Ford-Vigil.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Lisa Kirkman said Friday there were too many variables to predict what might happen if or when Lacour returns to Colorado Springs.
Lacour was arrested in southern Arizona on Monday after a warrant apparently showed up as he passed through a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint about 50 miles north of the border with Mexico, according to a Cochise County Sheriff's Department official. Lacour remains in jail on $25,000 bond and awaits extradition proceedings.
Ford-Vigil is serving a six-year prison sentence after pleading guilty in a separate assault case.
Kirkman said prosecutors could look at refiling charges against Ford-Vigil in connection with Delaney's killing if they can get Lacour to testify.
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Attempted-murder charges refiled in 2005 shooting 1/17/07
Suspect picked up by Border Patrol
By DENNIS HUSPENI THE GAZETTE
A charge of attempted firstdegree murder was refiled Tuesday against a Colorado Springs man who fled the state to avoid testifying in a gang murder trial.
The charge had been dropped against Rickey Terrell Lacour, 22, in a deal he made with prosecutors to testify in a 2006 murder trial.
But Lacour fled in July after his mother said he received death threats, according to court documents.
He was picked up last month at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in Arizona about 50 miles north of the border with Mexico.
Lacour could face up to 48 years in prison if he’s convicted. He was also charged with
first-degree assault and menacing.
The charges stem from a May 15, 2005, shooting at what was then Club 33 at 296 S. Academy Blvd. It closed in November 2005.
Brandon Dodson, 19, was shot three times after a fight in the club’s parking lot. Several witnesses told police Lacour and another man were in a white Mitsubishi, which was next to Dodson, when four shots rang out, according to an arrest affidavit.
Dodson told police he had gotten into a fight with Lacour at the club, and had seen Lacour in the car, but wasn’t sure if Lacour pulled the trigger, according to the affidavit.
Investigators later discovered a .38-caliber handgun in the grass near an apartment where Lacour and the other man allegedly changed clothes and tried to duck police searching for them, according to the affidavit. It had four spent rounds in the chamber.
Lacour was to have testified against Carlos Ford-Vigil in the June 15, 2005, shooting death of Joshua Delaney. Delaney was shot four times at close range as he sat in a car in southeast Colorado Springs.
Lacour testified at a preliminary hearing Ford-Vigil had bragged of shooting Delaney.
After Lacour fled, prosecutors dropped the murder case against Ford-Vigil. He is serving a six-year prison sentence after pleading guilty in a separate assault case.
Lacour is being held on $25,000 bond at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center. He is scheduled to appear in court again Jan. 29.
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Smiling Faces (Speaks for Itself)
Smiling faces sometimes pretend to be your friend
Smiling faces show no traces of the evil that lurks within
Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
They don't tell the truth uh
Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies and I got proof
The truth is in the eyes
Cause the eyes don't lie, amen
Remember a smile is just
A frown turned upside down
My friend let me tell you
Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
They don't tell the truth, uh
Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies and I got proof
Beware, beware of the handshake
That hides the snake
I'm telling you beware
Beware of the pat on the back
It just might hold you back
Jealousy (jealousy)
Misery (misery)
Envy I tell you, you can't see behind smiling faces
Smiling faces sometimes they don't tell the truth
Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies and I got proof
Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
They don't tell the truth
Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies and I got proof
(Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes)
(Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes)
I'm telling you beware, beware of the handshake
That hides the snake
Listen to me now, beware
Beware of that pat on the back
It just might hold you back
Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
They don't tell the truth
Smiling faces, smiling faces
Tell lies and I got proof
Your enemy won't do you no harm
Cause you'll know where he's coming from
Don't let the handshake and the smile fool ya
Take my advice I'm only try' to school ya
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Shooting Destroys Plan for New Life
Shooting destroys plan for new life
Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jun 17, 2005 by DENNIS HUSPENI THE GAZETTE
Joshua Jerome Delaney's mother tried to save him by getting him out of the state.
Kay Crawford knew if Delaney fell back into the crowd he'd been running with, bad things would happen.
"He got into something he could not get out of," Crawford said.
Delaney was shot to death early Wednesday when a man fired into the SUV he was driving in a southeast Colorado Springs neighborhood.
Colorado Springs police hadn't made any arrests in the case Thursday.
Delaney, 22, was released from prison in April, Crawford said. He'd served his sentence for a felony obstructing justice conviction.
He had helped wipe evidence from a car that was involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash in December 2000 that left one 12-year-old Colorado Springs girl dead and another girl injured. The driver, Jeremy T. Brown -- a gang member with a street name "Murder G" -- was found guilty of vehicular homicide and is serving a 10-year prison sentence.
(Joshua was not in the car when Jeremy Brown hit the two girls. Josh had rented the auto and loaned it to Jeremy to go get some food. He came back to the apartment where Joshua was at and Joshua helped him in wiping the car down and parking it on a sidestreet. Joshua came home early that night and sat on my bed and asked me what would I do if I knew who had hit those girls, he had tears in his eyes as he told me the girl who was killed was the same age as his sister Gabrielle. I asked him if he knew anything to please tell me and let me do the talking. He left my room with more tears and said he would talk to me in the morning. Needless to say they arrested Jeremy that night and he told the police that Joshua helped him wipe the car down and the next morning they were at my door to arrest Joshua.)
As a boy, Delaney had big dreams. In a 1988 Gazette article featuring the future class of 2000, a 6-year-old Delaney said he wanted to go to Yale University. The Jefferson Elementary School student said he planned to be a lawyer, as his mother wanted.
"Josh got mixed up with the wrong crowd in high school," Crawford said. "It didn't change the way he was with his family."
Delaney dropped out of Wasson High School during his junior year, according to Colorado Springs School District 11 officials. He was arrested several times on drug charges in 2000 and 2001, court records show. (of course what they don't tell you is Joshua had just turned 18 in 2000 and still in school in a District 2 school (Sierra High School) He was at some known crackhead womans house who I later found out was giving marijuana to underage boys and everyone else had left to go get some alcohol and the police raided the place Joshua was the only one there. He did not live there nor did they find drugs on him, but since he would not give them any info they charged him with the drugs they found in the apartment. Hindsight tells me I should have went all out and fought and got him an attorney no matter the cost. The 2001 drug charge was for marijuana.)
He was sentenced to prison on the felony in June 2002.
Crawford said her son completed his GED while in prison and was trying to turn his life around.
"He told me he had just picked up a registration packet for Pikes Peak Community College," she said. "He wanted to make a new life for him and his baby."
Delaney cared deeply for his 4-year-old daughter, Tahjaree, and had her live with him once he was out on probation. He tried to find a job, Crawford said, but "you know what people feel about convicted felons."
"He was a very giving person," said Crawford, who added Delaney called her every day to see how she was doing. "There was nothing Josh would deny you if he cared about you."
Crawford said she tried to talk probation officials into letting him leave the state, knowing he might get in trouble again if he stayed in Colorado Springs.
"The state wouldn't let me get him out of here," Crawford said. "I did not feel good about him being here."
CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0110 or dhuspeni@gazette.com
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Autopsy Results
The El Paso County Coroner’s Office completed the autopsy in yesterday’s shooting death near the intersection of Chelton Road and London Lane.
The victim in the shooting has been identified as Mr. Joshua Delaney, a 22 year old African-American male from Colorado Springs. Mr. Delaney died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. His death has been ruled a homicide making this the sixth homicide of the year in Colorado Springs.
No arrests have been made. The Major Crimes Unit is continuing the investigation and are asking anyone with information to contact either Detective Missy Reynolds at 444-7558 or they may remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 634-STOP.
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Still Unsolved
Unsolved Individual Case/Record Detail
Record ID 41 Entered On 7/3/2005
Agency Case ID 2 Case Date June 15, 2005
Case Type Unsolved - Murder Case State CO
Case Location Chelton/London Lane
Brief Case Narrative On June 15, 2005 at 12: 42 am, the Colorado Springs Police Department reference a call of a shooting that had just occurred. The victim and another man were talking in their cars near London Lane and Chelton Road, in a neighborhood just west of the Colorado Springs Airport. Then the shooter, described by police only as a tall man, fired three to six shots into the SUV, hitting the victim multiple times. After the shooting, the victim’s Jeep Cherokee backed across Chelton Road and crashed through a fence, stopping in a backyard. The gunman fled west on London Lane. He may have been driving an old, dark-colored sedan. Detective Assigned Det. Missy Reynolds Det Phone (719) 444-7558 Ext.
Det Email reynolme@ci.colospgs.co.us Alternate Phone (719) 634-7867 Ext.
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Jeep Taken as Evidence
Jeep taken as evidence leaves mom in limbo
Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Nov 20, 2005 by DENNIS HUSPENI THE GAZETTE
Kay Crawford lost her 22-year-old son when Joshua Delaney was shot to death June 15 in southeast Colorado Springs while driving her 1997 Jeep Cherokee Laredo.
She also lost her only means of transportation that night.
Because Delaney was killed in the Jeep, it's evidence against suspected gang member Carlos G. Ford-Vigil, who's been charged with first-degree murder.
Crawford had to make payments on a vehicle that's been at the impound lot since the night of the killing.
"I'm at my wits' end as far as what to do," Crawford wrote in a letter last week to her state senator, Ed Jones, seeking his help.
Although her insurance company has agreed to compensate her for the loss of the car, Crawford said her five-month ordeal has been a "nightmare."
Crawford's plight isn't unusual; investigators don't give back evidence the day after a crime.
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Breakdown of Colossal Proportions
'A BREAKDOWN OF COLOSSAL PROPORTIONS'
Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jun 3, 2006 by DENNIS HUSPENI THE GAZETTE
The Colorado Springs city manager called the disposal of evidence affecting hundreds of cases "a breakdown of colossal proportions" after receiving the Police Department's report Friday on its investigation.
"This was a failure of leadership, supervision, training, discipline and trust," City Manager Lorne Kramer told a news conference Friday, when the report was released to the public.
The supervisor of the Police Department's evidence section was placed on paid leave last week, after the investigation revealed the scope of the improper evidence disposal.
The report places most of the blame on Terry Lauhon, the head of the evidence section, stating he set a goal to "eliminate 50 percent of the current inventory of on-hand evidence items in 2005."
That pressure caused evidence technicians to fudge -- or ignore - - the rules for dis- posing of evidence, the report says.
The department had been disposing -- destroying, auctioning off, returning to owners -- about 1,151 items per month. But after Lauhon took over in September 2004, that monthly average leapt to 8,765 evidence items disposed per month. In 2005, 134,911 items were disposed of -- more than the 119,795 items disposed of in the decade before September 2004, the report says.
Lauhon, 59, was with the Longmont Police Department for more than 16 years and was acting chief for nine months in 2003.
Lauhon's November 2005 performance review, obtained under the Colorado Open Records Act, shows he was rated "effective" in most categories -- including "leadership" -- and rated "excellent" in problem-solving and teamwork.
"Leadership in the unit was lacking," the report released Friday states. "The lack of training for evidence technicians was directly related to their inability to recognize unauthorized destruction... steps required to verify proper destruction of evidence were not taken and not required by the supervisor."
Lauhon did not return calls for comment.
Sgt. Steve Biscaro, who was formerly at the training academy, was named interim evidence supervisor.
The review of cases in which evidence may have been lost has risen from an initial estimate of 4,103 to 5,014. After reviewing most of those, police determined that only seven active cases were affected. In five of those, the prosecution would not be affected by the lost evidence. One of the cases -- a $40 forgery case -- will have to be dismissed.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Lisa Kirkman said still more cases will be examined, and the number of active cases affected by the evidence error might go higher.
"As of this report, it appears the Evidence Unit improperly dispositioned evidence in 553 cases," the report says. The number of pieces of evidence in those cases was 1,461.
Chief Luis Velez said evidence technicians didn't follow proper procedure, and the report says technicians disposed of evidence in 67 cases without authorization.
Those cases "represent some of the most troubling situations," the report says, noting that in those cases "a specific court order to not release the evidence" existed.
The types of evidence improperly disposed of ran the gamut, from a murder weapon in a first-degree murder conviction on appeal, to a baggie with two rocks of crack cocaine in it.
Councilman Jerry Heimlicher said he's awaiting the results of an independent investigation by the city auditor, due to be released Wednesday.
The revelations in the Police Department's report were shocking, he said.
"That policy was totally ignored -- you'd have to say violated -- is unacceptable in any organization, let alone a police department," Heimlicher said. "This shows a major failure in the management process.
"The idea that a supervisor could have this this kind of impact, to cause this much evidence to be destroyed without anyone knowing it was happening, is unacceptable."
Councilman Bernie Herpin said he is disappointed the council was not informed of the problem until April, almost four months after Velez was informed. Still, he has faith in Velez and the department, he said.
"I'm fairly confident they'll get to the bottom of this and someone will be punished," Herpin said.
"I'm sure Chief Velez is hurt and saddened and upset and mad this took place under his watch."
Relatives of victims in some of the affected cases were less forgiving.
Kay Crawford, whose son, Joshua Delaney, was gunned down in a gang-related shooting in June 2005, found out Friday that evidence was lost in the murder case against suspect Carlos Ford-Vigil.
"I was hoping Josh's case was not a part of this," Crawford said. "I'm very disappointed. This case, as you know, has a lot of circumstantial evidence."
Ford-Vigil is scheduled to go to trial August. The impact of the lost evidence on the trial is expected to be "minimal," the report says.
"My initial reaction is, who's going to be held accountable for all these mistakes?" Crawford said, calling for an independent investigation. "I don't believe in the police policing themselves on this."
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Man Faces Trial
Man faces trial in suspected gang killing
Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Dec 21, 2005 by DENNIS HUSPENI THE GAZETTE
A Colorado Springs man accused in a suspected gang killing will stand trial for first-degree murder, a District Court judge ruled Tuesday.
Fourth Judicial District Judge Edward Colt denied defense attorneys' request for bond for Carlos Ford-Vigil, 22.
Prosecutors allege Ford-Vigil shot 22-year-old Joshua Delaney at close range with a revolver four times as Delaney sat in his mother's car.
The shooting June 15 stemmed from a dispute that began at a southeast Colorado Springs nightclub and ended in a residential neighborhood near Astrozon Boulevard and Chelton Road, police detectives testified at a two-day hearing on whether there was enough evidence for a trial.
Both men, according to testimony, were gang members and both were armed. Delaney had a loaded 9 mm handgun on the floor of the car, and drugs and cash in his pockets, detective Peter Quick testified.
Deputy District Attorney Robin Chittum said the evidence portrayed a coldblooded, assassination-style killing that left Delaney no time to grab his gun.
Online comments to this article
I was at both days prelims and although I heard testimony both my son and Carlos were gang members. The argument was about Baby Momma Drama so to speak. I don't know how this is considered a gang shooting. This was very cold blooded and personal. Carlos and his 'friends' decided to kill him and they did. Too bad they haven't got the rest of them..............yet!
-Joshua's Mom 12/21/05 12:51:20 PM
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Ms. Delaney thank you for the letter you wrote regarding the Andrews case. I am the mother of his 8 year old son. I am SO VERY happy that the person that took your son's life is gonna pay for that. I not so lucky YET the people that killed my son's father have not been caught YET. Just always remember that the lord had a better plan for your son. That is the hope that I hold on to for my son and myself. I want anyone with any kind of information to call in anything will help. I wake up and go to bed telling my son that the PEOPLE that did this will be taken care of. This nonsence has to stop how many more kids will loss their father or parents loss their children.
-Dara 12/21/05 05:13:14 PM
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Hang in there Dara, it took the police several months to put this case together, because noone wants to speak up. I know justice will be served, not only by man, but ultimately and even BETTER by GOD! It really hurts that some people have no respect for human life. I am happy I have my granddaughter to help keep his memory alive. I am so so sorry for your loss as these murders are OH SO SENSELESS! I'm a little frustrated in reading the article today saying this is supposed to be a 'gang' killing. So prepare yourself for the worst and pray for the best! You and your son are included in my prayers nightly. I know the Holidays are not so bright now, but I pray they are good for your son's sake.
-Joshua's Mom 12/21/05 05:53:35 PM
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Briefs
Murder suspect gets 6 years in other shooting
A Colorado Springs gang member (Carlos Ford-Vigil) will serve a six-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to a felony assault charge for a drive-by shooting.
Carlos Ford-Vigil, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree assault for firing shots at a man near a Colorado Springs apartment complex last year. The man was not hit.
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Joshua!
Joshua entered this world on June 23, 1982, same day that Princess Di had Prince Harry. Josh was certainly my prince. He was my miracle baby, I was told the year before I could not have children. Although I went on to have two more children, so much for what doctors say.
Joshua demanded attention from anyone and everyone in the room. He had a wisdom far beyond his young years. He could engage on any subject matter and speak about it with intellect and with much foresight.
He began to read at 4 years of age, his love of reading never stopped. He read most any books he could get his hands on and retained almost all of what he read. Also at age 4, he could listen to a song and play it back for you on his dad's drums.
Joshua was so loved and wanted as each of my children have been. I had the honor of him being my firstborn. From the time he was pulled from the womb we bonded instantly. He stared intently into my eyes each and everytime I held him. He was such a loving baby. Quick to give a kiss and hug.
In his short time on this earth he enjoyed a good joke, family BBQ's football, boxing, and music. His favortie food was mommas lasagne.
He only attended one funeral in his lifetime (His Aunt Lillian) and he was so hurt he said he could never go to another. He never did either. This world was too cruel for my son to stay in. He lost a good friend to murder about a year and half before he met his own killers. I can't say exactly what happened that fateful night, but I know my son met his fate with his chest held up and his chin looking to the sky.
Joshua was truly a remarkable young man who touched everyone with whom he came in contact with. He was highly opinionated and could prove his point with innate debate skills and alot of little known facts.
His smile would stop your heart, such beautiful pearly whites against his smooth dark chocolate skin. If he was truly tickled his eyes would disappear.
Joshua came by to see me daily, if not I got a call. Before he would leave I always got a big hug and kiss and an 'I love you momma'
Oh how I miss those days now.
The saddest day of my life June 15, 2005 some cold blooded murderers set him up for the kill and shot him four times, each one fatal.
He was engaged to be married to Jennifer.There was a lot of jealousy and hate going around . This website is to let everyone know they killed his body, but NEVER his spirit. Joshua's spirit lives on in me, his brother Matthew, his sister Gabrielle and last but not least his daughter Tahjarae.
Please let us know you stopped by and light a candle to let us know you were here.
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Witness in Killing Flees
Witness in killing flees; case weakens
Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jul 26, 2006 by DENNIS HUSPENI THE GAZETTE
Prosecutors on Tuesday dropped a murder charge against a suspected gang member after the key witness in the case fled.
Carlos Ford-Vigil, 23, was suspected in the June 15, 2005, shooting death of Joshua Delaney. Delaney was shot four times at close range with a revolver as he sat in his mother's car near London Lane and Chelton Road in southeast Colorado Springs.
A district judge decided in December that enough evidence existed to put Ford-Vigil on trial after hearing testimony from Ricky Lacour. Lacour said he heard Ford-Vigil boast after the shooting, "I shot that fool, Strap." Strap was Delaney's street name.
Prosecutors had dropped an attempted-murder charge against Lacour in exchange for his testimony.
"Without his testimony, there is no direct evidence to link the defendant to the murder of Joshua Delaney," Deputy District Attorney Robin Chittum stated in a motion to dismiss. "Ricky Lacour cannot be found in order to secure his testimony at trial."
In an e-mail response for comment, Delaney's mother, Kay Crawford, said: "It's a shame when small-minded thugs... decide to kill my son and then put the word out 'No Snitchin'."
Crawford said her son's killer, or killers, will face the ultimate judgment when they die.
Colorado Springs police de- tective Derek Graham and DA's investigator Gene Ferrin attempted to find Lacour in May through his mother in Tucson, according to the motion.
Ella Ruth Dersno, Lacour's mother, told Graham: "Ricky was 'in hiding' because she was upset with the District Attorney's Office and the Police Department releasing Ricky Lacour's name during the course of the investigation."
Dersno said her son got death threats, so he fled to another state. When told of the deal Lacour cut with prosecutors in exchange for his testimony, Dersno replied: "she didn't care about any agreements that the District Attorney's Office had offered to her son and that she was going to make sure that the police and District Attorney's Office would not be able to find her son."
Chittum said prosecutors are going to refile the attempted- murder charge against Lacour and that a warrant would be issued for his arrest.
Ford-Vigil is being held at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center on two other felony charges: assault and attempted murder.
In the assault, he allegedly beat, kicked and pistol-whipped a man who had loaned him a car. When he didn't return the car, the man pretended he called police, which prompted the beating, according to court documents.
In the attempted-murder case, Ford-Vigil -- a member of the 81st Street East Side Hustlers, a Crips gang, according to police arrest records -- allegedly fired shots at a man near a Colorado Springs apartment complex in a drive-by shooting.
Ford-Vigil is due back in court Monday. He is being held on $200,000 bond.
CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0110 or dennis.huspeni@gazette.com
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Authorities Arrest 11 Suspected Gang Members
A Colorado Springs Crips gang suspected of selling cocaine has been "crippled" after its leader and 10 members were arrested, authorities said Monday.
Arrest warrants have been issued for another 14 alleged members of the 81st Street East Side Hustlers, the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office said.
The reputed leader, Curtis "Curt Dog" Cooper, 37, faces up to 96 years in prison if convicted. He was jailed Friday on $500,000 bail on suspicion of drug charges, conspiracy and being a habitual criminal.
The gang is a sect of the Los Angeles-based Crips and got its name from 81st Street in L.A.
The sect has been active in Colorado Springs since at least the early 1990s, police Cmdr. Rod Walker said.
"They were one of the first gangs to migrate from the West Coast," he said.
The investigation began after residents complained about what they thought were drug dealers in their neighborhoods. Then, Walker said, it grew from investigating individual complaints to linking the suspected crimes to the 81st Street Crips, which authorities call "a criminal organization intent on committing violent acts."
The 11 arrests took place Friday in southeast Colorado Springs near Chelton and Airport roads. Authorities said they seized crack, marijuana, methamphetamine, $4,300 in cash and 13 guns.
The suspects face various weapons-related and druglated charges, including distributing cocaine and marijuana.
"Gangs are not just a bunch of kids who hang out," District Attorney John Newsome said. "They are a sophisticated organization that profits from the sale of drugs. Weapons are their tool of choice. Violence is how they further their purpose."
Police estimate a few hundred gang members live in Colorado Springs, with about 45 of them active in the 81st Street Crips.
"In Colorado Springs, there is gang activity, but I don't think it's overwhelming activity," said Walker, who heads the Police Department's gang intervention unit.
The Drug Enforcement Administration's task force has been helping Colorado Springs police investigate the 81st Street Crips since early this year.
"Instead of targeting individual gang members, we targeted the organization," said Gray Hildreth, resident agent in charge of the DEA office in Colorado Springs.
Authorities said during the investigation they averted two drive- by shootings by the gang's members. They declined to elaborate Monday.
"I think it's fair to say we've certainly crippled the organization for now," Walker said, "and we will continue to monitor their activities."
ARRESTED
Curtis Cooper, 37, the alleged gang leader
Letesha Metz, 25
Orlando Guevara, 27
Aisha Carr, 31
Demetria Pepper, 24 (Joshua's Baby Momma)
Meliki Sunia, 25
Gwendolyn Nathaniel, 46
Nanette Phillips, 34
Norma Chavez, 22
James Parks, 23
Brandy Villarreal, 18
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News Release
LAW ENFORCEMENT DISRUPTS LOCAL GANG RESULTING IN NUMEROUS ARRESTS
___________________________________________________________________________
District Attorney John R. Newsome, together with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Metro Vice and Narcotics Unit and the Colorado Springs Police Department, are pleased to announce the culmination of an investigation that resulted in the arrest of known or associated gang members. The arrests have substantially impacted the ability of a local street gang to operate. Because of these efforts, the Colorado Springs community is a safer place to live.
Vice and Narcotics Unit Commander Rick Millright, on behalf of Colorado Springs Police Chief Velez, stated, “I was very pleased to see this case originate out the Sand Creek Division of the Police Department. The Metro VNI/DEA Task Force was able to partner with the Sand Creek Officers to make a significant community impact.”
DEA Resident Agent in Charge Gray Hildreth stated, “We take pride in the cooperative effort which led to the dismantlement of this criminal organization and we are confident that it will reduce the flow of drugs into our neighborhoods.”
Agent Hildreth continued, “We would like to specifically recognize the Colorado Springs Police Department Gang Task Force. In response to increased gang violence, the Colorado Springs Police Department formed a task force of officer in late October, 2005 to proactively address gang crimes within the community. Over the past five months their efforts have impacted gang crimes with 187 arrests, 108 or which have been known gang members. Furthermore, the seizure of $57,000 in illegal narcotics, $29,000 in narcotic proceeds, and 51 firearms has had a direct impact on the local gang’s ability to profit from narcotic sales and wage violence in the streets.”
“In response to this effort, law enforcement was able to work together resulting in the arrests and search warrants executed on March 24, 2006,” Gray concluded.
Curtis Cooper, (DOB 2-6-69) identified as a leader of the “81st Street East Side Hustler Crips” was arrested and is being held in custody facing charges of Distribution of Cocaine (Repeat Offender) (F-2), Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine (F-2), Distribution of Marijuana (F-4), Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana (F-5, Special Offender – Deadly Weapon (gun available for use), Special Offender – Pattern of Sales, and four Habitual Criminal counts. He faces a total of 96 years if convicted of the F-2 and Habitual Criminal charges.
In addition, more than 25 arrest warrants were issued for active or associated members of the “81st Street East Side Hustler Crips” and all face various charges of Distribution of Cocaine, Distribution of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana and charges relating to weapons.
At the time of the writing of this release, 11 have been arrested.
This investigation began in January, 2006, and culminated in the arrests/and or arrest warrants for numerous individuals. In addition, a number of search warrants were executed. All warrants are currently sealed.
In or about January, 2006, agents of the DEA Task Force, in conjunction with the CSPD Gang Task Force, initiated an investigation into the drug and weapon related activities of Curtis Cooper and other members of his organization based in Colorado Springs. Cooper was identified as a leader of the “81st Street East Side Hustler Crips.” The “81st Street East Side Hustler Crips” is one of many sects of Crip gang sets operating across the United States. Investigation shows that the local “81st Street East Side Hustler Crips” have been identified as a criminal organization intent on committing violent acts, narcotics trafficking and firearms related crime, the proceeds of which (in the form of US Currency) support the propagation as an organization.
Investigation shows that this street gang has been identified as operating with an organized hierarchy of members and has been operating within the City of Colorado Springs for the past decade. The Colorado Springs Police Department’s Gang Task Force has obtained information regarding the “81st Street East Side Hustler Crips” which has been collected through numerous police contacts with self admitted gang members, confidential informants and concerned citizens providing information to police. The Gang Task Force has identified 82 confirmed Crip gang members with an additional 28 associated (unconfirmed) gang members operating in the Colorado Springs area.
In February, 2006, the Colorado Springs DEA Resident Office, through the use of the investigative tools and intelligence gathered by the Gang Task Force, was able to follow the activities of Curtis Cooper, aka: “Curt Dog”. These tools allowed agents to identify members of the organization and confirmed the violent nature and extent of the organization. During the course of the investigation, agents were able to avert as least two drive-by-shootings by members of the organization.
On March 24, 2006, the investigation culminated in the execution of search and arrests warrants resulting in the initial arrests of 11 defendants and the seizure of small amounts of crack, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine, along with $4,300.00 cash, six vehicles, and 13 weapons. Civil forfeiture proceedings will be initiated on the case, vehicles, and weapons.
In addition, search warrants were executed at the following Colorado Springs locations (see map on CD):
3495 Atlantic Drive
1667 Carmel Drive
807 Hutchinson Drive
815 Calliope Drive
1927 Capulin Drive
1320 Rainier Drive
3465 Bridgewood Lane
511 William Avenue
2465 Royalty Court
350 Gahart Apartment #2
Prior to March 24, 2006, arrest warrants were obtained for the following defendants. Those that were arrested on March 24, 2006 are noted. Active warrants remain for the remainder of the individuals. Law enforcement is actively seeking the arrest of those individuals. Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Rogers at 444-7270 or Crime Stoppers.
Curtis Cooper – arrested (2-6-69)
Derrick Davis (7-6-58)
Marcus Hardeman (7-30-76)
Letesha Metz – arrested (1-18-81)
Sherry Luster (8-29-79)
Ebony Niblett (6-16-82)
Montrell Watson (9-4-79)
Jennifer Schell (1-26-71)
Michael Guzman (12-24-82)
Dushawn Williams (1-7-74)
Aaron Taylor (1-12-75)
Orlando Guevara – arrested (5-27-78)
James Quilter (10-11-76)
Justin Smith (4-30-87)
Dannie Ford (6-29-84)
Robert Carlyle (1-15-59)
Steven Sexton (3-16-65)
Preston Johnson (7-13-86)
Shawn Bell (11-12-82)
Additionally, probable cause was developed during the enforcement operation to arrest the following defendants:
Aisha Carr – arrested (1-7-75)
Demetria Pepper – arrested (7-8-81)
Meliki Sunia – arrested (7-29-80)
Gwendolyn Nathaniel – arrested (11-11-59)
Nanette Phillips – arrested (8-31-71)
Norma Chavez – arrested (7-25-83)
Norma Chavez – arrested (4-10-82)
Brandy Villarreal – arrested (12-27-87)
All defendants will be charged and prosecuted in the 4th Judicial District, District Court. They all face various narcotic and weapons-related charges.
The arrests made have resulted in a substantial impact on the ability of the “81st Street East Side Hustler Crips.” to operate. This impact will lead to less drugs, weapons and violence on the streets of Colorado Springs.
“Any street gang has the potential to radically change the safety of our neighborhoods,” said DA Newsome. “The “81st Street East Side Hustler Crips” have been actively engaged in criminal activity for more than a decade. I am pleased to say that through an enormous joint effort between the CSPD Gang Task Force, the DEA, Metro VNI and my office, the reign in over. They will be aggressively prosecuted here in our community.”
“As I have announced earlier, we have assigned a senior prosecutor to work with DEA and help dismantle organization such as this,” Newsome continued. “This attorney will lead these prosecutions. The message will be “If you choose to operate a gang, or participate in a gang, that specializes in drugs, violence and weapons, then you will face the full brunt of the law in Colorado.”
The effectiveness of this investigation has already been demonstrated. Two drive-by-shootings have been stopped. These were possible homicides. These were going to occur on streets that had law-abiding people living on them. While their target may have been opposing gang members, the risk to law-abiding people, or even kids, is great. I am pleased to see these plans stopped in their tracks.”
The following agencies participated in the investigation: The DEA Task Force, led by Resident Agent in Charge Gray Hildreth; the Colorado Springs Police Department and CSPD Gang Task Force, led by Commander Rod Walker; Metro VNI, led by Commander Rick Millwright; the Pueblo Police Department; the Colorado State Patrol; the Teller County Sheriff’s Office; the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; and the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
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